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Florence “Floss” Ann Thayer

Florence “Floss” Thayer passed away in Colville on February 12, 2014 at the age of 94, just three weeks shy of her 95th birthday. Floss was born on March 5, 1919 in Portland, OR. to Michael Zill and Agnus (Grell) Zill, who were Austrian immigrants and naturalized U. S. citizens. Floss was raised in Portland, OR. where she attended Clinton Kelly High School of Commerce and graduated in 1937. She then attended Business College. Following Business College she worked at a stock and bond brokerage firm. During World War II, Floss worked as the Transportation Secretary at the Portland Shipyards to Mr. Henry Kaiser of Kaiser Industries, builder of the WWII Liberty Ships, as well as many other grand scale enterprises. In 1945 she moved to Eastern Oregon where she began cattle ranching. In 1951 she moved the ranching operation to a new location near Twin Lakes in Ferry County on the Colville Indian Reservation. There, she met and married Richard “Dick” Ellis Thayer in 1955. They built a home in Colville in 1955 where they raised their family. Floss was very attentive to the education and activities of her two sons. Floss was a wonderful wife and mother who gave her heart to the loving care of her family. Her time was offered selflessly to her husband, children and grandchildren. She enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping trips with the family and friends. She had an enduring love of family and friends and kept in contact with thousands of meticulously handwritten letters and cards for all occasions. Her thoughts, love, compassion and support will truly be missed. Floss was a faithful and devoted member of the Catholic Church. She also remained in contact with her sorority sisters throughout her life. During the early years of her son’s education, Floss was very active with the PTA, and served as president for a time. She was also an active supporter of the March of Dimes and Disabled American Veterans Association. Floss Thayer was preceded in death by her husband, Richard “Dick” Thayer on December 10, 1989, and her parents, Michael and Agnus Zill, brother, Leonard Zill, sister, Margie Clarke, and an infant sibling. She is survived by son Craig Thayer and his wife, Madronna, and their children Grant, Lane and Haley; son Brent Thayer and his daughter Jennifer, husband Steven Morrow, and great grandchildren David and Patrick. There are also numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Saturday February 22 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Colville. Father Daniel Barnett will serve as Celebrant. Graveside service will follow at the Mountain View Park Cemetery in Colville. Memorial contributions may be given to the Disabled American Veterans. Please visit the on-line memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com. Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.